Prediction Best 23, Round Zero 2026

OhhhhhCyril · Feb 14, 2026

Dewnior said:
Are you referring to HI or Brad? Bradkli was a Blues supporter growing up I think and joined the Hawks bandwagon during our successful era. Had a few posters on here who didn't appreciate his negative attitude towards the Hawks and let him know. Haven't seen him post on this forum since.

HI guys in general are great, especially for all the training reports. Feels like I am talking to my mates at the pub pre game.. measured and informative.

I can understand why people might have an issue with Brad and some of his negative attitudes, personally I tend to agree with a lot of things he has to say (not all)

Davo-27 · Feb 14, 2026

I think our players rankings in 2026 preseason are

1. Jai Newcombe
2. Josh Battle
3. Will Day
4. Jack Gunston
5. Blake Hardwick
6. Karl Amon
7. Nick Watson
8. Jarman Impey
9. Lloyd Meek
10. Jack Scrimshaw
11. Mabior Chol
12. Josh Weddle
13. Josh Ward
14. Jack Ginnivan
15. Massimo D'Ambrosio
16. Mitch Lewis
17. Dylan Moore
18. James Sicily
19. Calsher Dear
20. Tom Barrass (he is playing great at origin level atm, might have to bump him up a couple spots in future)
21. Connor Nash
22. Connor MacDonald
23. Harry Morrison
.............AFL Standard..............
24. Cam Mackenzie
25. Ned Reeves
26. Noah Mraz
27. Sam Butler
28. Max Ramsden
29. Aidan Schubert
30. Cam Nairn
31. Finn Maginness
.............on the fringe of the best 23, likely having a decent AFL Career, few potential future stars as well...........
32. Will McCabe
33. Bailey MacDonald
34. Bodie Ryan
35. James Blanck
36. Oliver Greeves
37. Jack Dalton
38. Cody Anderson
39. Henry Hustwaite
40. Matt Leray
41. Matt Hill
42. Jaime Uhr-Henry
........... developing talent, still unsure if they make it in the long run, but they have talent, 1 or 2 future stars if they develop well.........

2 open spots.....
43. Likely adding Flynn Perez? (If he got listed would slot in somewhere around #32 in the rankings and go to work from there)
44. Mid Season Draft Pick or that inj forward?

ReturningHawk · Feb 14, 2026

Davo-27 said:
I think our players rankings in 2026 preseason are

1. Jai Newcombe
2. Josh Battle
3. Will Day
4. Jack Gunston
5. Blake Hardwick
6. Karl Amon
7. Nick Watson
8. Jarman Impey
9. Lloyd Meek
10. Jack Scrimshaw
11. Mabior Chol
12. Josh Weddle
13. Josh Ward
14. Jack Ginnivan
15. Massimo D'Ambrosio
16. Mitch Lewis
17. Dylan Moore
18. James Sicily
19. Calsher Dear
20. Tom Barrass (he is playing great at origin level atm, might have to bump him up a couple spots in future)
21. Connor Nash
22. Connor MacDonald
23. Harry Morrison
.............AFL Standard..............
24. Cam Mackenzie
25. Ned Reeves
26. Noah Mraz
27. Sam Butler
28. Max Ramsden
29. Aidan Schubert
30. Cam Nairn
31. Finn Maginness
.............on the fringe of the best 23, likely having a decent AFL Career, few potential future stars as well...........
32. Will McCabe
33. Bailey MacDonald
34. Bodie Ryan
35. James Blanck
36. Oliver Greeves
37. Jack Dalton
38. Cody Anderson
39. Henry Hustwaite
40. Matt Leray
41. Matt Hill
42. Jaime Uhr-Henry
........... developing talent, still unsure if they make it in the long run, but they have talent, 1 or 2 future stars if they develop well.........

2 open spots.....
43. Likely adding Flynn Perez? (If he got listed would slot in somewhere around #32 in the rankings and go to work from there)
44. Mid Season Draft Pick or that inj forward?

Solid effort, but not sure how Sicily falls to 18. At the moment he's fit and firing so to me he's number 1 or 2.

Simon Crawshay · Feb 15, 2026

Davo-27 said:
I think our players rankings in 2026 preseason are

1. Jai Newcombe
2. Josh Battle
3. Will Day
4. Jack Gunston
5. Blake Hardwick
6. Karl Amon
7. Nick Watson
8. Jarman Impey
9. Lloyd Meek
10. Jack Scrimshaw
11. Mabior Chol
12. Josh Weddle
13. Josh Ward
14. Jack Ginnivan
15. Massimo D'Ambrosio
16. Mitch Lewis
17. Dylan Moore
18. James Sicily
19. Calsher Dear
20. Tom Barrass (he is playing great at origin level atm, might have to bump him up a couple spots in future)
21. Connor Nash
22. Connor MacDonald
23. Harry Morrison
.............AFL Standard..............
24. Cam Mackenzie
25. Ned Reeves
26. Noah Mraz
27. Sam Butler
28. Max Ramsden
29. Aidan Schubert
30. Cam Nairn
31. Finn Maginness
.............on the fringe of the best 23, likely having a decent AFL Career, few potential future stars as well...........
32. Will McCabe
33. Bailey MacDonald
34. Bodie Ryan
35. James Blanck
36. Oliver Greeves
37. Jack Dalton
38. Cody Anderson
39. Henry Hustwaite
40. Matt Leray
41. Matt Hill
42. Jaime Uhr-Henry
........... developing talent, still unsure if they make it in the long run, but they have talent, 1 or 2 future stars if they develop well.........

2 open spots.....
43. Likely adding Flynn Perez? (If he got listed would slot in somewhere around #32 in the rankings and go to work from there)
44. Mid Season Draft Pick or that inj forward?

Not bad but I’d definetly have Sic and Moore in the top ten (Sic is a top ten player in the entire league in full flight and Moore is still one of the top half forwards going around).

Think Ginni and Barrass could be placed a little higher as well and Watson needs more consistency before reaching top ten.

Unfortunately I don’t think you can have Day as top 3 either as you have to factor in resiliency when ranking players (for instance Newk ranks high here as he has missed what one game in five years?)

Shows the eve was of our list though as it’s actually very hard to rank our players past the top 8 or so.

Gaborone · Feb 15, 2026

What exactly is the point of this ranking of players? It pays absolutely no attention to roles played.

ReturningHawk · Feb 15, 2026

Gaborone said:
What exactly is the point of this ranking of players? It pays absolutely no attention to roles played.

Boredom?

peetoo · Feb 16, 2026

Could we see Chol do more rucking than now?

https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/max-gawn-addresses-new-ruck-rule-changes-after-state-of-origin/news-story/735b51f70f725905bc274f115f6d6575?utm_campaign=EditorialSB&utm_source=news.com.au+Sport&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_content=SocialBakers&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPMTczODQ3NjQyNjcwMzcwAAEeQ4KqZEKKgN3bPAZHuxXy_W6ABE3Ha0bo5Sta7GXnaESG6Z69z89Us-n0mhA_aem_QXwe3oN9A7ICFPnesZ3XYA

To the Hawk · Feb 16, 2026

Reckon the no 2 rucks crowd will be disappointed.

Reeves is a weapon at stoppages. Just about penciling himself in for Rd 0.

Changa10 · Feb 16, 2026

To the Hawk said:
Reckon the no 2 rucks crowd will be disappointed.

Reeves is a weapon at stoppages. Just about penciling himself in for Rd 0.

Versus who though, De Koning who is key defender and a young ruck in Edwards?

Let’s see how it works v Bulldogs I think before we lock 2 rucks in.

To the Hawk · Feb 16, 2026

Changa10 said:
Versus who though, De Koning who is key defender and a young ruck in Edwards?

Let’s see how it works v Bulldogs I think before we lock 2 rucks in.

Reeves could go to against Gawn or Xeri with the new rules and be favoured to win the tap.

His tapwork is beyond question, and he got involved in general play today including 3 centre clearances himself which is a good sign.

Meek actually had his hands full with SDK jumping all over him early, so he will need to adapt. As Gawn said for that style of ruck (which he is himself).

It will really come down to if Sam wants 4 key forwards more than 2 rucks, which on paper are the 'better' players. But scoring hasn't been an issue for us with 3 only.

I think we saw our midfield mix and how Meek and Reeves will be used in the first 3QTRS today.

Time will tell, but Gabelich has his finger on the pulse and suggests we are likely to do it.

Changa10 · Feb 16, 2026

To the Hawk said:
Reeves could go to against Gawn or Xeri with the new rules and be favoured to win the tap.

His tapwork is beyond question, and he got involved in general play today including 3 centre clearances himself which is a good sign.

Meek actually had his hands full with SDK jumping all over him early, so he will need to adapt. As Gawn said for that style of ruck (which he is himself).

It will really come down to if Sam wants 4 key forwards more than 2 rucks, which on paper are the 'better' players. But scoring hasn't been an issue for us with 3 only.

I think we saw our midfield mix and how Meek and Reeves will be used in the first 3QTRS today.

Time will tell, but Gabelich has his finger on the pulse and suggests we are likely to do it.

Yeah, I'm not disagreeing, nor saying it won't work. I'm just not sure the first hitout v two rucks, that I would consider to be below average rucks, proves it is the right mix. Centre clearances are so important though, so we need someone who can jump now, so who is that? Reeves, or do we use Chol at centre bounces, and Meek around the ground where he can wrestle more?

Some of the hitouts I saw today from Reeves were elite, and I'd love for him to make it given the loyalty he has shown by signing on again.

Sammy Butler looked like he was cracking in hard early. I need to watch the replay as I missed the second quarter and then from about the 15-minute mark of the 3rd due to work!

peetoo · Feb 16, 2026

Changa10 said:
Yeah, I'm not disagreeing, nor saying it won't work. I'm just not sure the first hitout v two rucks, that I would consider to be below average rucks, proves it is the right mix. Centre clearances are so important though, so we need someone who can jump now, so who is that? Reeves, or do we use Chol at centre bounces, and Meek around the ground where he can wrestle more?

Some of the hitouts I saw today from Reeves were elite, and I'd love for him to make it given the loyalty he has shown by signing on again.

Sammy Butler looked like he was cracking in hard early. I need to watch the replay as I missed the second quarter and then from about the 15-minute mark of the 3rd due to work!

If it was intended well done the club for anticipating that ruck rules would be so fluid (I’m being polite)

To the Hawk · Feb 16, 2026

peetoo said:
If it was intended well done the club for anticipating that ruck rules would be so fluid (I’m being polite)

Reeves signed after the change in ruck rules and interchange was announced.

It's been evident all preseason we will explore 2 rucks this year, which I suspect was a big reason Reeves signed on.

To date, Reeves has been a standout in preseason and looks to have just about forced his way into OR which might have been earlier then anticipated.

SSSSSS · Feb 16, 2026

To the Hawk said:
Reeves signed after the change in ruck rules and interchange was announced.

It's been evident all preseason we will explore 2 rucks this year, which I suspect was a big reason Reeves signed on.

To date, Reeves has been a standout in preseason and looks to have just about forced his way into OR which might have been earlier then anticipated.

As much as I loathe the idea of two rucks, I think at this point you have to reward form. Wouldn't send a great message to the younger lads toiling away in the 2s.

Manila_Hawk · Feb 16, 2026

The game against the Bulldogs should tell us a lot

jenniferHAWKinS · Feb 16, 2026

Round 0 team:
Hardwick Barrass Sicily
Impey Battle Amon
Weddle Newcombe D’Ambrosio
Ginnivan Lewis Moore
Watson Chol Gunston
Meek Nash Ward
Macdonald Scrimshaw Butler
Reeves or Dear
Mackenzie or Morrison

ImCheatingToWin · Feb 17, 2026

Dewyyyyy said:
He struggled to have continuity and then came in and took the first half by storm. When fit and firing which he is now. He is almost certainly first picked among the key forwards.

Really unsure how this is even a debate. A "fit" Mitch Lewis is by so far our best KPF it's not even close

Ability to cover ground - Lewis although Chol is no slouch

Best contested mark - Lewis

Best pack mark- Lewis

Best Set shot - Lewis

threesixpio · Feb 17, 2026

Best 22
Hardw Barass Sicily
Amon Battle Impey

Weddle Newc Massimo
Ward Nash Reeves

Ginnivan Lewis Chol
Watson Dear Moore

Gunstan Butler Scrimshaw MacDonald MacKenzie

I’m getting grumpy in my old age but if someone says “yeah that’s good but you should have five players in that I will now name” maybe suggest who comes out.

(Pet Bigfooty hate).

Ramsden and Meek unlucky here but FFS how many talls do we need? If people think those two should come in then talls must come out imo

Bardo State · Feb 17, 2026

Post first practice match:

FB Hardwick - Barrass - Battle
HB Amon - Sicily - Impey
C D'Ambrosio - Newcombe - Weddle
HF Moore - Lewis - C. Macdonald
FF Watson - Gunston - Chol
R Meek - Nash - Ward
IC Scrimshaw - Ginnivan - Butler - Mackenzie - Dear
EMG Reeves - Morrison - B. Macdonald

Dewyyyyy · Feb 17, 2026

ImCheatingToWin said:
Really unsure how this is even a debate. A "fit" Mitch Lewis is by so far our best KPF it's not even close

Ability to cover ground - Lewis although Chol is no slouch

Best contested mark - Lewis

Best pack mark- Lewis

Best Set shot - Lewis

Yep, it really isn’t much of a debate, and he’s very strong at ground level too despite that being one of Chol and Dears big attributes. He’s also skillful with ball in hand Lewis and one of the leaders at the club.

Dewyyyyy · Feb 17, 2026

threesixpio said:
Best 22
Hardw Barass Sicily
Amon Battle Impey

Weddle Newc Massimo
Ward Nash Reeves

Ginnivan Lewis Chol
Watson Dear Moore

Gunstan Butler Scrimshaw MacDonald MacKenzie

I’m getting grumpy in my old age but if someone says “yeah that’s good but you should have five players in that I will now name” maybe suggest who comes out.

(Pet Bigfooty hate).

Ramsden and Meek unlucky here but FFS how many talls do we need? If people think those two should come in then talls must come out imo

Meek is a lock. It’s either Dear Chol or Reeves missing.

I don’t see every one of them working so Meek for Reeves at this stage for me, if Reeves plays one of Chol or Dear doesn’t.

Mackenzie plays imo but I think Morrison is a chance for that spot.

ImCheatingToWin · Feb 17, 2026

Dewyyyyy said:
Yep, it really isn’t much of a debate, and he’s very strong at ground level too despite that being one of Chol and Dears big attributes. He’s also skillful with ball in hand Lewis and one of the leaders at the club.

Mentioned that yesterday he used to be on train tracks early, but his ability now to impact a contest once the ball hits the ground has massively improved.

Set up a goal after his two in the third. Also started a few forward moves from half back and the wing with his clean ball movement

Dewyyyyy · Feb 17, 2026

ImCheatingToWin said:
Mentioned that yesterday he used to be on train tracks early, but his ability now to impact a contest once the ball hits the ground has massively improved.

Set up a goal after his two in the third. Also started a few forward moves from half back and the wing with his clean ball movement

Yep, he’s the modern prototype forward. Not as quick but athletic as that power forward.

It’s like Chol and Dear are basketball SF whilst Lewis is the PF.

Ballsontheline · Feb 17, 2026

BEST 22

Hardwick Barrass Sicily
Impey Battle Scrimshaw

Weddle Ward D'Ambrosio
Meek Newc C Mac

Ginni Lewis Moore
Watson Chol Dear

INT: Amon, Gunston, Nash, Butler, Greeves/Perez

Manila_Hawk · Feb 17, 2026

Ballsontheline said:
BEST 22

Hardwick Barrass Sicily
Impey Battle Scrimshaw

Weddle Ward D'Ambrosio
Meek Newc C Mac

Ginni Lewis Moore
Watson Chol Dear

INT: Amon, Gunston, Nash, Butler, Greeves/Perez

Looks about right to me BOTL.

One defender rotating from the bench, one forward.. And 3 midfielders.

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